distemper

Definition

A viral disease of animals, such as dogs and cats, characterised by fever, coughing and catarrh.

Etymology

From Old French destemprer, from Latin distemperare.

Example Sentences

• "O perplex'd diſcompoſition, O ridling diſtemper, O miſerable condition of Man."
• "[M]y spirits began to sink under the Burden of a strong Distemper, and Nature was exhausted with the Violence of the Fever […]"